Dysport/Botox have become dirty little secrets, with everyone doing it but no one talking about it (trust us on this!) So what gives? What is it about injections that make them seem like a treatment to be kept hidden? We don’t believe in being ashamed of doing a treatment that has the ability to make you feel younger and beautiful, so we decided to answer all of your most frequently asked questions in one precise post! You know, just in case you’re considering Dysport but not wanting to talk aloud about it. So get all your questions answered and rest assured that your secret is safe with us!
WHAT IS DYSPORT & HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dysport, a new (and some would say, improved) competitor to Botox, is botulinum toxin that blocks contractions in the treated muscle area and relaxes it once injected, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
HOW IS DYSPORT DIFFERENT FROM BOTOX & HOW LONG WILL IT BE UNTIL I SEE RESULTS?
Although both Dysport and Botox treat similar concerns and have both been approved by the FDA, one major difference between the two is Dysport takes 2-3 days to kick in, while Botox takes a week or longer. Dysport also differs from Botox when it comes to dosage- you’ll need to use about 3 times the amount of Dysport to get the same results as Botox. Nonetheless, Dysport is still more affordable than Botox.
HOW CAN I GET NATURAL LOOKING RESULTS USING DYSPORT?
The rule we use here at Barris is that it’s always better to get less units of Dysport than you think you need, and then come back for a follow-up treatment if you decide you want more a few days later. When it comes to Dysport or Botox injections, overdoing it and making you look like a deer in headlights is never wise, so we will always err on the side of caution. If you’re worried about looking unnatural, the most important thing to do is schedule a consult before you actually do the procedure and tell the aesthetician your expectations.
HOW MANY UNITS OF DYSPORT WILL I NEED?
This is the most asked question we get. As with most things in the skincare industry, how many units you get will depend on your needs and the amount of fine lines/wrinkles you’d like to conceal. However, as a general rule, for younger clients (those in their 20s and 30s) we will never use Dysport with a heavy hand. For example, we might inject around 6 units in someone’s forehead if they’re young because younger patients’ muscles react well, even at lower doses. Plus, injecting less units means that your forehead will still move normally, while the muscles are suitably relaxed.
HOW LONG DO DYSPORT INJECTIONS LAST?
Most patients will see results last for 3-4 months! We recommend making a follow-up appointment 3 months after the initial appointment to gradually extend the results of Dysport.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO DYPORT INJECTIONS?
Dysport has been tested and FDA approved for use worldwide for over 10 years. The most common side effects are slight bruising due to the injection (similar to what you might see after receiving vaccinations at a doctor’s office). Nonetheless, there are ways to reduce your risk of bruising (see below). Even if you do bruise, the bruising will last a couple days, at most. In rare cases, Dysport can cause relaxing in surrounding facial muscles. If this happens, please discuss the results with your estheticians so they can properly adjust your charts.
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE RISK OF BRUISING?
Skipping the gym on the day of the treatment will help- not because it’s dangerous or bad for the Dysport treatment, but simply because exercise increases a patient’s risk of bruising. Also, don’t take any blood thinners like aspirin, mortin, aleve, ibuprofen, fish oil supplements, and omega 3s for a week before coming in if you can- since these all thin your blood, they make the chances of bruising more likely. And although there aren’t any great studies to back up the efficacy of downing arnica tabs for a few days before and after your dysport treatment, a lot of people swear by them, so unless you’re allergic, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try.